Ignition lock for internal-combustion motors



June 17, 1924. 1,497,778

' J. GAGNET IGNITION LOCK FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION MOTORS Filed Sept. '26, 1922 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 W X J. GAGNET June 17, 1924.

IGNITION LOOK FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION MOTORS Filed Sept. 26 1922 4 SheetsSheet 2 June 17, 192 4. 1,497,778

J. GAGNET IGNITION LOCK FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION MOTORS Filed Sept. 6, 1923 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 gwuewtor June 17, 1924. 1,497,778

J. GAGNET IGNITION LOCK FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION MOTORS Filed Sept. 26, 1922 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I III SPARK PLUGS Patented June 17, 1924.

UNITED STATES JOHN GAGNET, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IGNITION LOCK FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION MOTORS.

Application filed September 26, 1922. Serial No. 590,653.

To all QU/LOHL it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN GAGNET, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city of New York, county of New York, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ignition Locks for Internal-Combustion Motors; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in an ignition lock for automobiles and it has for its primary object to provide an eflicient safety lock aiming to prevent theft of the automobile to which it is applied. 7

Further, the invention resides in a plurality of permutation units cooperating to close a single circuit which may be broken or interrupted by disturbing any unit.

The invention further aims to provide a safety ignition look, so arranged as to sound an alarm and interrupt the current of the engine upon being tampered with, and also to provide a secret switch for rendering the lock inoperative throughout.

The invention further resides in the features of construction and the arrangements and combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1, is a front elevation of the improved lock;

Figure 2, is a back elevation thereof;

Figure 3, is a longitudinal vertical section through the lock on line 83 of Figure 5;

Figure 4:, is a detailed elevation of one of the brush supports;

Figure 5, is a vertical transverse section on line 55 of Figure 3;

Figure 6, is a fragmentary, detailed end elevation of one of the permutation switch units; A

Figure 7, is a side elevation of the same;

Figure 8, shows diagrammatically the ignition and alarm circuits embodying the switch; and

. Figure 9, depicts, in side elevation, a modified switch unit designed for automobiles equipped with both battery and magneto types of ignition.

Referring more in detail to the accompanying drawings, the improved lock consists of a plurality of units, three being herein depicted and each operable and adjustable independently of the other but cooperating with each other to close the igniting circuit of the automobile engine, as will be more fully explained as the description progresses. The units are substantially identical in construction, each consisting of two rings 1 and 2 insulated from each other by a disk 3 and all three secured to a pawl-supporting disk 4 by screws 5. These screws pass through insulating bodies 6 and 7 about which the rings are secured as by radial screws 8. An insulating disk 9 covers the face of body 6 and the screws 5, as depicted in Figure 3. Pivotally secured to the outer face of disk 41, as by screws 10, is a pair of pawls 11 which are pressed by leaf springs 12 into yieldable engagement with the teeth of a ratchet 13. This ratchet is secured to one side of a plate 1 1 by screws 15 which likewise attach a comparatively larger ratchet 16 to the opposite side of said plate. The two ratchets have a like manner of teeth but face in reverse or opposite directions. Ratchet 16 is engaged on opposite sides by a pair of pawls 17 pivotally supported on rods 18 which extend between and are supported by the end plates 19 and 20 'The pawls for the three switch units are maintained in properly spaced relation by sleeves 21 on rods 18, in a manner similar to the spacer sleeves 22 which sustain the pawl springs 23 properly spaced on the parallel rod 24.

Mounted on opposite sides of the sets of units are the brush supports, one being depicted in Figure 4. Each consists of rod 25, having its ends secured in the end plates 19 and 20 by nuts 26, a conductor clip 27 for each unit, and a resilient or leaf spring arm 28 secured to each clip and carrying a brush" 29 on its free end in contact with one of said rings 1, 2. Each clip is formed of a single strip of metal bent around the rod 25 and insulated therefrom by a sleeve 30, the free ends being clamped by a bolt 31 and one terminal extended for easy connect-ion to a conductor. The first and second clips on one rod and the second and third clips on the companion rod are connected by conductor plates 32 while the third clip on one rod and the first clip on the companion rod are connected to the conductor wires 33. The brushes 29 of one set, i. e., those on one rod 25, bear on ring binations'and settings maybe provided.

and lie flush with the circumference of ring 2 so that the brush will: readily ride thereover. Obviously, the circuit will only be closed between the opposing brushes of each-unit when the brush which operates inthe plane of ring 2 is'in contact with the tongue 34; Therefore, when the respective brushes are in contact with the tongues 34 the circuit may be traced from one wire 33 through its clip 27 to its brush 29, tongue 34 and ring 1 to the opposing brush and its clip; thence across conductor plate 32 to the adjacent clip and its brush-of the next unit from which the currenttravels through ring 1 and tongue34 to the brush and clip of the first set; across its plate 32 to the brush -29, tongue 34'and ring 1 to the outlet clip 27' and lead wire 33. Movement of any unit to disengage a tongue 34 from its brush will, of course, interrupt or-break the circuit.

The several units are independently adjustable through shafts, the two shafts 36 and 37 beingtubular and fitting one within the other and the third or inner shaft 38 being, preferably solid and extending through the tubular shafts. These shafts are progressively longer inwardly and have their inner ends notched or cut out to receive radial lugs 39 from the ratchets 13 and 16. Thus,-the several units are keyed to their'respective shafts for rotary movement. A knob 40- is fixed to the outer end of each shaft and a pointer 41 is connected to each knob to mark or indicatethe position of the same-:relative we. dial 42 provided on the face plate 43.

The several units are held in compact relation between disks 44 by the embracing end or cover plates'l9 and 20,=and are secured with the'housing or casing 45 by the rods 18, 24 and 25 and their respective end nuts 26. The central shaft 38 extends beyond the end plate. 19 and has a stop collar 46 secured thereon by set. screw 47 so as to further aid in securing the parts together. The face plate 43 covers the adjacent ends of the stay rods 18, 24 and 25 and is secured to the dash or instrument board 48 and easing lugs '49 by screws 50.

the end of thecasingand a'suitable pro tecti-ve armor 53. The periphery of disk 4 is preferably provided with markings s1m1 lar to those on dial 42 so that various com In operation the owner who knows the particular combination adjusts the knobs 40 so that the several pointers 41 will register with predetermined markings on the face plate dial to bring the several tongues 34 into contact with their respective brushes 29, thus closing the ignition circuit and permitting the owner to start his engine. If the owner has suspicion that the combination is known by others, or if he desires to manipulate under a new combination, it is only necessary for him to adjust any one or more of the units by rotating the unitary structure carrying the pawls llrelative to the ratchet 13 to the desired adjustment. The operator will then note the adj ustmentmade so that the corresponding pointer 41 may be-adjusted to the proper dial marking.

As a. further means for detecting a person tampering with the automobile, the ignition lock is placed in a circuit for sounding an alarm. This circuit comprises a. battery 54 grounded on one side by wire 55 and having its other side connected by wire 56, and an interposed fuse 57 to one terminal 33 of the ignition lock switch. From the opposite terminal 33 the wire 58 leads to an armature 59 which is normally in contact wit-h a second armature '60 that is connected to the ignition coils (31 by wire 62, the ground for the coils being indicated at'63. The arma-J time 60 is pivoted at 64 and is normally urged upwardly to close the switch contact 65 against contact 66, by the adjustable tension device '67. Normally, the free end of armature 60 is engaged beneath the hook end 68 of armature 59, the latter being pivoted at 69 and capable of having its opposite end 70 attracted by the electro-magnet 71. This armature is also provided with an adjustable tension device 72 normallyholding the hooked end over the free end of armature 60. The switch contacts 65 and 66 are normally separated and when closed form a circuit through the ground connection 7 3,'wire 74, an alarm such as horn 75 and wire 76, the latter connecting with Wire 56 and throughthe latter to the source of electrical energy 54. The electro-ma gnet is connected by wire 77 to theignition circuit wire 58 and by a second wire 78 to a ground, a secret switch 79 being interposed in the latter connection.

Should any one attempt to short circuit the terminals 33 of the ignition lock, after the owner has closed his secretswitch and left his automobile, the circuit will be closed through wires 77 and 78-, thereby energizing the magnet to attract the end 7 O of armature 59. This immediately breaks the ignition circuit-and releasesarmature 60 which, in turn, eflects the Clk, sing of switch 65, 66 and this in turn, causes the sounding of the alarm 75. The secret switch is concealed in any desired part of the automobile and when the owner returns to the same this switch should be opened before closing the ignition lock switch. I

The switch unit just described is especially designed for operating on the magneto type of ignition, such as is employed in a well known make of automobile. For ignition systems embodying battery as well as magneto, a modified form of switch unit is utilized, as depicted in Figure 9, wherein the contact ring 80 is provided with two lateral wings or tongues 81 and 82 extending from ,oppositesides thereof in lieu of the single wing 34 of ring 1. The two tongues are seated in recesses in the laterally disposed rings 83 and 84 and are insulated therefrom by the extensions 85 from the insulating disks 86. The dial disk 4 is secured to the unit by screws, as indicated in Figure 3. In this construction, as is obvious the brushes which bear on the outer rings 83 and 84 must be arranged in duplicate so that the circuit may be established through either tongue. In this connection it is to be noted that the tongues are relatively offset thereby necessitating a different setting or combination for each circuit.

hat is claimed is 1. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of conductor elements rotata-bly mounted therein, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension, a pair of brushes, one brushcontacting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, said brushes being arranged in two sets with one brush of each pair being included in each set, a conductor connecting certain of the brushes of each set whereby the circuit will be closed in series through the pairs of brushes, and means connecting the elements to the respective shafts. r

2. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts ournaled therein and extending through one another and of progressively increased lengths toward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each'element, one brush contacting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, a ratchet fixed on the inner end of each shaft, a pawl for each ratchet to hold the same against turning in one direction, a rod pivotally supporting the pawls in spaced relation within the casing, springs urging the pawls to their operative position, and means connecting the elements to the ratchet.

3. In an ignition locksw-itch, a unit comprising a conductor ring having a tongue extension, opposing brushes one brush contacting with the rmg and the other brush arranged to contact with the tongue extension, dial means for adjusting the ring, and

means for adjusting the ring relative to the dial means.

t. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts ournaled therein, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, a ratchet fixed on the inner end of each shaft, a pawl for each ratchet to hold the same against turning in one direction, a rod pivotally supporting the pawls in spaced relation within the casing, springs urging the pawls to their operative position, a second ratchet fixed to the first ratchet, and a pawl carried by the element for engaging the ratchet against movement in the opposite direction to permit of adjustment of the element on its shaft.

5. An ignition lock comprising a shaft having a knob at one end operating over a dial, a ratchet keyed to the opposite end of the shaft, a pawl acting to hold the ratchet against movement in one direction, a con ductor element adjustably mounted on th shaft, an insulating disk carried by the element, a pawl on the disk, and a second ratchet connected to the first ratchet and held by the second pawl against movement in the opposite direction.

6. An ignition lock comprising a shaft having a knob at one end operating over a dial, a ratchet keyed to the opposite end of the shaft, a pawl acting to hold the ratchet against movement in one direction, a conductor element adjustably mounted on the shaft, an insulating disk carried by the element, and having a dial marking thereon, and an adjustable connection between the disk and ratchet.

7. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of conductor elements rotatably mounted therein, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension. and a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, one brush contacting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit bet-ween the brushes, said brushes being arranged in two sets with one brush of each pair being included in each set.

8. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of rotary conductor elements, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, one brush contacting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, said brushes being arranged in two sets with one brush of each pair being included in each set, and a conductor connecting certain of the brushes of each set'whereby the circuit will be closed in series through the pairs of brushes.

: 9. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts ournaled therein and extending through one another and of: progressively increased lengths toward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft and axially removable therefrom, means on" the central shaft for preventing displacement of all the conductor elements, means adjustably connecting th elements to their respective shafts, and'means contacting with the elements in series for closing a circuit.

10. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts journaled therein and extending through one another and of progressively increased lengths toward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue exten sionjineans adjustably connecting the elemerits to their respective shafts, and brush contacts for each elementcooperating to close a circuit through the tongue extension and the ring.

11. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts journaled therein and extending through one another and of progressively increased lengths toward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, onebrush' conta'cting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, and means connecting theeleinents to the respective shafts.

12. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts journaled therein and extending through one another and 'of progressively increased lengths to ward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on'each shaft, eachv element consistlng of a ring having a tongue QXtQ-IISIOH, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, one brush contacting with the ring and the comp'anion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, saidbrushesbeing arranged in two sets with one brush of each pair being included in each set, a conductor connecting certain of the brushes of each set whereby the circuit willbe closed in series through the pairs of brushes, and means connecting the elements to the respective shafts.

13; An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts journaled therein and extending through one another and of progressively increased lengths toward the circuit will be closed in series through the pairs of brushes, a ratchet fixed on the inner end of each'shaft, a pawl for each ratchet to hold the same against turning in onedirection, a' rod pivotally support ing the pawls in spaced relation within the casing, springsurging the pawls to their operative position, and means connecting the elementsto the ratchet.

14. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts journaled therein and extending through'one another and of progressively increased lengths toward thegcentral' shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft, each element consisting of a ring havinga tongue extension, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, one brush contacting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, said brushes being are ranged in two sets with one brush of each pair being included in each set, a conductor connecting certain of the brushes of each set whereby the circuit will be closed in series through the pairs of brushes,a ratchet fixed on the inner end of each shaft, a pawl for each ratchetito hold the same againstturir ing in one direction, a rodpivota1lysupporting the pawls in spaced relation within the casing, springs urging the pawls to their operative position, a second ratchet fixed to the first ratchet, and a pawl carried by the element for engaging the ratchet against movement-in the'opposite direction to per"- mit of adjustment of the element on its shaft.

15. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts ournaled there in and extending through one another and of progressively increased lengths toward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably' mounted on each shaft, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, one brush contacting with th'e'ring and the con1- panion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes. said brushes being arranged in two sets with one brush of each pair beingincludedin each'set, a conductor 0011 necting certain of the brushes of each set whereby the circuit will be closed in series through the pairs of brushes, a ratchet fixed on the inner end of each shaft, a pawl for each ratchet to hold the same against turning in one direction, a rod pivotally sup-' porting the pawls in spaced relation within the casing, springs urging the pawls to their operative position, and means adjustably connecting the elements to its respective ratchet.

16. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a plurality of shafts journaled therein and extending through one another and of progressively increased lengths toward the central shaft, a conductor element rotatably mounted on each shaft, each element consisting of a ring having a tongue extension, a pair of brush supports arranged within the casing for each element, on e brush contacting with the ring and the companion brush adapted to contact with the tongue extension to close circuit between the brushes, said brushes being arranged in two sets with one brush of each pair being included in each set, a conductor 0011- necting certain of the brushes of each set whereby the circuit will be closed in series through the pairs of brushes, and means adjust-ably connecting the elements to their shafts.

17. In an ignition lock switch, a plurality of dial controlled shafts, a switch conductor on each shaft, and an adjustable connec tion between each conductor and its shaft to permit of variation of the dial control of the shafts.

18. An ignition lock switch comprising a casing, a shaft therein, a plurality of rigidly connected center and outer rings rotatable on the shaft each outer ring having a peripheral recess and the center ring having relatively staggered tongue extensions projecting from opposite sides thereof into the recesses and insulated from the first rings, and brushes mounted in the casing and contacting with the respective rings for closing circuit when the tongue extensions are engaged by their respective brushes.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature hereto.

JOHN GAGN ET. 

